24 large, pitted dates

Mascarpone cheese

24 unsalted pecan halves

With a small, sharp knife put a slit into the top of each date, vertically. Slightly open dates by pushing the ends toward each other. Put 1/4 tsp of Mascarpone into the openings (this can also be done with a pastry bag). Gently press a pecan into the top of each date, vertically.